Lubbock Mayor Mark McBrayer address concerns, comments made at first data center public hearing
Lubbock Mayor Mark McBrayer addressed resident concerns following a public hearing on data centers, discussing water usage estimates and the city's approach to potential developments. He explained that a "special use" zoning restriction would allow for further public input and city council approval for any specific data center project. The mayor also commented on a potential moratorium, stating the city council might not support it given ongoing efforts to study the issue.
Lubbock Mayor Mark McBrayer recently addressed several key issues raised by residents at the first public hearing concerning data center developments in the city. Speaking to KCBD, McBrayer discussed the proposed figure of 100,000 gallons per day for data center water usage, clarifying it was an estimate for discussion purposes as no specific project has been formally presented.
He emphasized that any potential data center would face restrictions, including a "special use" zoning requirement. This designation would necessitate approval from the city's zoning and planning commission and the city council, allowing for additional public hearings and commentary. Mayor McBrayer indicated that the city council is not inclined to outright reject data centers, viewing them as any other industry that brings both costs and potential benefits.
The article also highlighted ongoing discussions about a potential moratorium on data center development. If sufficient signatures are collected by July 28th, the moratorium issue will proceed to the city council, and if rejected there, it would appear on the November ballot. McBrayer expressed skepticism about the council supporting a moratorium, arguing it would halt current efforts to proactively study and address data center-related concerns.